News Stories

JMSDF, MCAS Iwakuni take Friendship Day 2019 to new altitudes - Japanese guests view various U.S. and Japanese static display aircraft during the 43rd Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2019. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has held a single-day air show designed to foster positive relationships and offer an exciting experience that displays the communal support between the U.S. and Japan. The air show encompassed various U.S. and Japanese static display aircraft, aerial performances, food and entertainment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Timothy Valero)

A Japanese local and a U.S. Marine use ballon swords to duel during the 41st Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2017. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has held a single-day air show designed to foster positive relationships and offer an elevating experience that displays the communal support between the U.S. and Japan. The air show also encompassed various U.S. and Japanese static aircraft displays, aerial performances and demonstrations, food and entertainment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis) - A Japanese local and a U.S. Marine use ballon swords to duel during the 41st Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni Friendship Day at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, May 5, 2017. Since 1973, MCAS Iwakuni has held a single-day air show designed to foster positive relationships and offer an elevating experience that displays the communal support between the U.S. and Japan. The air show also encompassed various U.S. and Japanese static aircraft displays, aerial performances and demonstrations, food and entertainment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesula Jeanlouis)

An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 moves in to catch the basket during an aerial refueling mission with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia during Exercise Pitch Black 2016, Aug. 9, 2016. VMGR-152 provides aerial refueling and assault support during expeditionary and joint or combined operations like Pitch Black. This exercise is a biennial, three week, multinational, large-force training exercise hosted by RAAF Tindal. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg) - An F/A-18C Hornet with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 122 moves in to catch the basket during an aerial refueling mission with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron (VMGR) 152 at Royal Australian Air Force Base Tindal, Australia during Exercise Pitch Black 2016, Aug. 9, 2016. VMGR-152 provides aerial refueling and assault support during expeditionary and joint or combined operations like Pitch Black. This exercise is a biennial, three week, multinational, large-force training exercise hosted by RAAF Tindal. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Nicole Zurbrugg)

Lt. Col. Matthew W. Stover, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, left, walks with Col. Robert V. Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, middle, and Col. Hunter H. Hobson, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12 upon arriving at MCAS Iwakuni, July 15, 2014.Upon the KC-130J Super Hercules’ touchdown, administrative control of the squadron effectively changed from MCAS Futenma’s, based out of Okinawa, Japan, Marine Aircraft Group-36 to MAG-12 on Iwakuni. VMGR-152 will remain under operational control of III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, but MAG-12 will be in charge of providing the squadron with all the gear and supplies necessary in carrying out their missions. - Lt. Col. Matthew W. Stover, commanding officer of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, left, walks with Col. Robert V. Boucher, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, middle, and Col. Hunter H. Hobson, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 12 upon arriving at MCAS Iwakuni, July 15, 2014.Upon the KC-130J Super Hercules’ touchdown, administrative control of the squadron effectively changed from MCAS Futenma’s, based out of Okinawa, Japan, Marine Aircraft Group-36 to MAG-12 on Iwakuni. VMGR-152 will remain under operational control of III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, but MAG-12 will be in charge of providing the squadron with all the gear and supplies necessary in carrying out their missions.